Date Available
5-2-2014
Year of Publication
2014
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
College
Arts and Sciences
Department/School/Program
Earth and Environmental Sciences (Geology)
Advisor
Dr. Edward W. Woolery
Co-Director of Graduate Studies
Dr. Zhenming Wang
Abstract
In the central United States, undefined earthquake sources, long earthquake recurrence intervals and uncertain ground motion attenuation models have contributed to an overstatement of regional seismic hazard for the New Madrid Seismic Zone on the National Seismic Hazard Maps. This study examined concerns regarding scientific uncertainties, overly stringent seismic mitigation policies and depressed local economy in western Kentucky through a series of informal interviews with local businessmen, public officials, and other professionals in occupations associated with seismic mitigation. Scientific and relative economic analyses were then performed using scenario earthquake models developed with FEMA’s Hazus-MH software. Effects of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in central China and seismic mitigation policies in use there were considered for potential parallels and learning opportunities. Finally, suggestions for continued scientific research, additional educational opportunities for laymen and engineering professionals, and changes in the application of current earthquake science to public policy in the central United States were outlined with the goal of easing western Kentucky economic issues while maintaining acceptable public safety conditions.
Recommended Citation
Orton, Alice M., "SCIENCE AND PUBLIC POLICY OF EARTHQUAKE HAZARD MITIGATION IN THE NEW MADRID SEISMIC ZONE" (2014). Theses and Dissertations--Earth and Environmental Sciences. 19.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ees_etds/19
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Geology Commons, Geophysics and Seismology Commons, Public Policy Commons, Science and Technology Policy Commons
